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It is important to dry the solvents to avoid gas pockets in the go getters (tis can cause too much surface area, and they’ll explode on ignition) caused by water in the composition. The reaction of water, metal nitrates and metal powders can cause spontaneous combustion – while unlikely, it has happened.
What you will need: chemicals per formulae, to pass 40 mesh waxed paper cups Nalgene or PE lab wash bottle xylene acetone ”Damp Rid” descicant spiral wound tubes 1/2” or 9/16” X 1 1/2 long end plugs for tubes short pieces of stiff bare match To start, mix dry ingredients (all should pass 40 mesh, or ball mill oxidizers separately) through 20 mesh three times. Next, blend 80% acetone with 20% xylene into wash bottle. Add a couple of tablespoons of ”Damp – Rid” desiccant. Damp mixed composition in waxed paper cup – stir solvent in with a popsicle stick or a short piece of dowel, to the consistency of thin cake batter. Squeeze the cup so that a crease is formed in the side. Pour into plugged tubes, leave empty space of maybe 1/8”. Insert pieces of bare match and allow to dry until there is no odor of solvent – this may take 2 – 3 days. To test, simply tape the go getters to a bottle rocket stick, or a 6” pice of small dowel.
